Tickets are on sale, section schedules are ready, and the winners of the E J Mantova Art Prize will be announced this weekend. It can mean only one thing: The 2026 Bellingen Show is only a month away.
This year’s committee made the call to focus on agriculture and community creativity rather than mechanical rides and a sideshow alley. Show President Emily Kenny said this was to recognise the special place the show has in the Bellingen community, and to make it more affordable for families.
“It is more than just an event – it's a cherished tradition that brings our community together, tells our region's story, and showcases what makes us special.”
Emily is keen to make agricultural education a centre-piece of the Bellingen Show.
“I believe it’s so important to keep the spirit of the Bellingen Show alive not just as a tradition, but as a platform to educate, inspire, and connect our community. By highlighting agriculture and local stories, we can empower the next generation to take pride in where they come from and where we’re headed.”
Inspiring young farmers
New this year is the show’s Ag Education Hub. Children can pick up an Ag Education Passport to guide them on an agricultural adventure across the showground, finding educational displays and completing activities to earn prizes. There is also career information on offer for older visitors.
The committee has also introduced a scholarship, where the Bellinger River Agricultural Society provides up to a total of $5000 to young people who live in the Bellingen Shire to help them pursue a career in agriculture, sustainability, rural industries, land management, or rural trades. Warren Weick Real Estate is the show’s Principal Partner supporting the scholarship. The winner will be announced at the show.
“It’s our way to not only to recognise young people who are passionate about agriculture in our shire, but also to honour the show’s link to our rural community,” Emily said.
Celebrating Bellingen’s creative community
The show reflects Bellingen’s reputation for creativity through free events and attractions such as the Artisan Tent where local artists skillfully create masterpieces by hand, and an Entertainment Tent featuring a packed program of local talent. In addition, the E J Mantova Art Prize attracts entries from the region’s finest artists, which are on display for a month at Bellingen Gallery and Framing Studio. And of course, the Show’s Pavilion is full of entries celebrating local creativity in fields such as gardening, baking, arts and crafts.
Bellingen Show is 145 years old in 2026. It celebrates agriculture, sustainability and community creativity over a weekend of family fun on May 9 - 10, 2026. Tickets are cheaper when bought online, and BusWays will be running a free shuttle bus over the weekend.
